A fatal accident struck the Colli Aniene neighborhood in Rome this morning when a large tree, uprooted by strong winds, fell on two women seated on a park bench. The incident occurred between Via Cesare Massini and Viale Sacco e Vanzetti. A 45-year-old mother of three was killed instantly, while another woman of the same age was severely injured and rushed to Policlinico Umberto I. Miraculously, nearby children playing in the park were unharmed. Virginia, a local resident who arrived shortly after the tragedy, recounted the scene: “My grandmother witnessed everything. The children thought their mothers were simply unconscious and waited for them to wake up.”
Witnesses have since raised concerns about the safety of the park’s trees. Virginia described the park as a cherished community space but one that had been subject to repeated warnings about hazardous conditions. “Everyone says the tree was known to be dangerous, and multiple complaints had been made,” she said. “This park is frequented by families and children; I grew up playing here myself. What happened is unthinkable—anyone could have been in that woman’s place. I hope serious action is taken to prevent another tragedy.”
Virginia’s grandmother, who was present during the incident, attempted to assist the victims. “She tried to check for a pulse on the woman who died, but there was nothing,” Virginia shared. Emergency responders faced significant challenges accessing the scene, with firefighters having to cut through fallen branches with chainsaws to reach the victims. Despite their efforts, the mother of three could not be saved. The incident has reignited debates over public safety and maintenance in the city’s parks.
